Best Foldable Phone of 2025: Review of the Latest Models
Foldable phones have come a long way from their clunky, experimental beginnings. In 2025, they’re sleeker, more durable, and packed with features that make them serious contenders for your next smartphone. Whether you’re after a pocket-friendly clamshell or a productivity powerhouse that unfolds into a tablet, there’s a foldable for everyone. I’ve reviewed the latest models to crown the best foldable phone of 2025, diving into their designs, performance, displays, cameras, and more. Let’s break it down.
Top Contenders for 2025
The foldable market is buzzing with innovation, and 2025 has brought some stellar options. Based on extensive testing and expert reviews, here are the standout models:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – Best Overall Foldable
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – Best Clamshell Foldable
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – Best for AI and Productivity
- Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) – Best Budget-Friendly Clamshell
- Oppo Find N5 – Best Design (Limited Availability)
Below, I’ll dive into what makes each of these phones shine, their strengths and weaknesses, and why one takes the top spot.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The King of Foldables
Why It’s Great: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the gold standard for book-style foldables in 2025, blending cutting-edge hardware with refined software. Its ultra-thin 4.2mm design (when unfolded) and lightweight 215-gram build make it feel like a regular smartphone when closed and a sleek tablet when open. The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a multitasking dream, perfect for work, gaming, or streaming.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch cover screen and 8-inch inner screen, both with 120Hz refresh rates.
- Camera: A 200MP main sensor leads a triple-lens setup, delivering vibrant, detailed shots even in low light.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, it handles heavy apps and multitasking with ease.
- Battery: 4,400mAh with 25W wired charging, lasting a full day but lagging behind competitors in charging speed.
- Software: Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI, including a new 90/10 multitasking mode for side-by-side apps.
Pros:
- Thinnest and lightest book-style foldable in the U.S. market.
- Best-in-class camera system for foldables.
- Seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem (e.g., Galaxy Watch, Buds).
Cons:
- Pricey, starting at $1,999 for 256GB.
- Battery life and charging speed (25W) trail competitors like the Oppo Find N5.
- No dust resistance (IPX8 water resistance only).
Verdict: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best foldable for most users, especially those in the U.S., thanks to its refined design, powerful performance, and unmatched software support. It’s ideal for power users who want a phone that doubles as a tablet for productivity and entertainment.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: The Clamshell Champion
Why It’s Great: For those who love compact, stylish devices, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the best clamshell foldable. Its 4.1-inch cover screen is perfect for quick tasks, and the 6.9-inch inner AMOLED display feels like a traditional smartphone when open. The Exynos 2500 chipset keeps things snappy, and the 4,300mAh battery is a big step up, offering all-day power.
Key Features:
- Display: 4.1-inch cover screen and 6.9-inch inner screen, both Super AMOLED with 120Hz.
- Camera: 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses, with improved low-light performance via the ProVisual Engine.
- Design: Slimmer hinge, vegan leather option, and a less noticeable crease.
- Software: Android 16 with Galaxy AI features tailored for the cover screen, like Now Bar and Gemini Live.
Pros:
- Sleek, durable design with a satisfying hinge.
- Larger cover screen enhances usability when closed.
- Competitive pricing at $1,099 compared to the Motorola Razr Ultra ($1,299).
Cons:
- No telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities.
- 25W charging is slower than rivals like OnePlus Open (67W).
- Runs warm during heavy tasks like gaming.
Verdict: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the best pick for clamshell fans, offering a balance of style, portability, and performance. It’s perfect for users who want a compact phone with a big-screen experience.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The AI Powerhouse
Why It’s Great: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels as a productivity tool, thanks to Google’s Gemini AI integration. Its 6.3-inch outer screen feels like a regular phone, while the 8-inch inner display folds flat for multitasking or media. The Tensor G4 chip powers AI features like Pixel Screenshots, which summarizes images for quick recall, making it a favorite for work-focused users.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.3-inch outer screen and 8-inch inner screen, both with 120Hz.
- Camera: Triple-lens system with AI-enhanced photo editing.
- AI Features: Pixel Screenshots, Gemini Live, and adaptive AI for email and planning.
- Battery: 4,600mAh with 45W charging, slightly better than Samsung’s offerings.
Pros:
- Best AI features for productivity and photo editing.
- Outer screen mimics a traditional smartphone for intuitive use.
- IPX8 water resistance and improved hinge durability.
Cons:
- Starts at $1,799, pricier than some rivals.
- Camera quality doesn’t match the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
- Limited availability compared to Samsung.
Verdict: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is ideal for Google ecosystem users who prioritize AI-driven productivity and a traditional phone feel when folded. It’s a strong alternative to the Z Fold 7 but falls short in camera performance and price value.
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): Budget-Friendly Flair
Why It’s Great: The Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) is a stylish clamshell that punches above its $1,299 price tag. Its 4-inch cover screen with a 165Hz refresh rate supports nearly any app, making it highly functional when closed. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ensures smooth performance, and the 4,500mAh battery outlasts most flip phones.
Key Features:
- Display: 4-inch cover screen (165Hz) and 6.9-inch inner screen (120Hz).
- Camera: 50MP main and ultrawide lenses, with gesture-based video recording.
- Design: Titanium hinge, IP48 rating, and unique finishes like wood or Alcantara.
- Battery: 4,500mAh, offering up to a day and a half of use.
Pros:
- Best cover screen functionality among clamshells.
- Improved durability with a titanium hinge.
- Competitive battery life for a flip phone.
Cons:
- IP48 rating offers less water resistance than Samsung’s IPX8.
- Camera performance lags behind the Z Flip 7.
- Software support not as robust as Samsung or Google.
Verdict: The Razr Ultra is perfect for users who want a premium clamshell experience without breaking the bank. Its cover screen versatility and battery life make it a strong contender, though it’s not as polished as the Z Flip 7.
Oppo Find N5: The Sleek Innovator (Limited Availability)
Why It’s Great: The Oppo Find N5 is the most beautifully designed foldable of 2025, with a super-slim 8mm folded thickness and a 6,000mAh battery. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it offers top-tier performance, and its 50MP triple camera with a periscope lens rivals traditional flagships. Unfortunately, it’s only available in China and select Southeast Asian markets.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.4-inch outer screen and 7.9-inch inner screen, both 120Hz.
- Camera: 50MP triple setup with periscope lens for superior zoom.
- Battery: 6,000mAh with 67W fast charging and wireless charging.
- Design: Ultra-slim and lightweight with IPX8 water resistance.
Pros:
- Thinnest and most elegant book-style foldable.
- Massive battery and fast charging.
- Exceptional camera system for a foldable.
Cons:
- Limited availability outside Asia.
- ColorOS 15 may not appeal to all users.
- Pricier than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in available markets.
Verdict: The Oppo Find N5 is a dream foldable for those who can get it, offering unmatched design and battery life. It’s a glimpse of the future, but its limited availability keeps it from the top spot.
What to Look for in a Foldable Phone
Choosing the right foldable depends on your needs. Here are key factors to consider:
- Form Factor: Book-style foldables (e.g., Z Fold 7, Pixel 9 Pro Fold) are great for multitasking and productivity, while clamshells (e.g., Z Flip 7, Razr Ultra) prioritize portability and style.
- Durability: Look for IPX8 or IP48 ratings for water resistance, but note that no foldable is fully dustproof. Stronger hinges and screen protectors are crucial.
- Battery Life: Book-style foldables often have larger batteries (4,400–6,000mAh), while clamshells range from 4,300–4,500mAh. Charging speeds vary (25W–67W).
- Camera: The Z Fold 7 leads with its 200MP sensor, but clamshells like the Z Flip 7 and Razr Ultra are solid for casual photography.
- Software: Samsung and Google offer robust software support (up to 7 years), while Motorola and Oppo lag slightly.
- Price: Foldables range from $699 (Motorola Razr 2025) to $2,420 (Z Fold 7 1TB). Budget options like the Z Flip 7 FE ($899) offer great value.
The Best Foldable Phone of 2025
After testing and comparing, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes the crown as the best foldable phone of 2025. Its ultra-thin design, powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and market-leading 200MP camera make it a standout for productivity and media. While its $1,999 starting price and 25W charging are drawbacks, its refined form factor and software optimizations (like the 90/10 multitasking mode) make it the most versatile foldable for most users.
For those who prefer a clamshell, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the top choice, balancing style, performance, and a usable cover screen at a reasonable $1,099. If AI and productivity are your focus, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a close runner-up, especially for Google ecosystem fans. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) for its value and cover screen versatility, while the Oppo Find N5 is a premium pick for those in supported markets.
Foldable phones in 2025 are no longer niche—they’re polished, powerful, and practical. Whether you’re drawn to the tablet-like experience of a book-style foldable or the compact charm of a clamshell, there’s never been a better time to go foldable. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 leads the pack for its all-around excellence, but each model here offers something unique. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll be ready to embrace the future of smartphones.